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St˙ Mary' s County, St˙ George' s River, July 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I arrived down here on the 15th instant,
with about one hundred of the Militia, where I found Captain Beall, with part of his company, and one company of
Colonel Barnes' s battalion. About daybreak yesterday,
we were visited by a row galley, or row gondola, carrying
five swivels on each side, a six-pounder in her head, and
another in her stern. They rowed alongside of our sentinel,
and not a man to be seen, and instantly began a very heavy
firing, which lasted about one hour, but without doing any
execution, although their shot reached the ground on every
spot where the men were stationed. In the evening, she
returned again, and engaged us again for upwards of two
hours; and at the same time the troops landed from the
ships on St˙ George' s Island, to the amount of about three
hundred, pushed down to the point opposite to us, with
swivels and musketry, and kept up a heavy fire, from which
I shall endeavour to keep the post we are at present at, if
possible; if not, I shall retreat to the woods, about half a
mile. From a report we had given us yesterday, they are
constructing another vessel like the above, and that they
intend attacking us on the Potomack side. I think, from
all appearances, the fleet will continue some time; if so,
some cannon and swivels will be absolutely necessary, to
dislodge the men they have landed on the Island.
With what assistance we can give in this quarter, I think
five hundred of the Militia of the upper battalion will be full
enough to oppose the enemy. We have now, at different
posts, about six hundred men.
For further particulars, I refer you to Mr˙ Hopewell, by
whom this goes express. He will also inform you of the
difficulties we labour under in getting provisions for the men,
without money to pay for it immediately. Three hundred
pounds, I think, would be sufficient.
Colonel Barnes, with his battalion, is on the other side of
the river, watching the motions of the enemy there.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
To the Honourable the Council of Safely of Maryland.
Letter from Colonel Jordan to the Maryland Council of Safety
v1:382
v1:383
Captain Beall was dangerously wounded in the shoulder
with a ball (as he says) from a rifle, which has rendered him
incapable of duty.
JEREMIAH JORDAN.